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Old Owl Cigar Mural Restoration (675 sq. ft.)
Preserving the "Ghost Signs" of Columbia City’s Historic Downtown
The 675-square-foot Old Owl Cigar Mural is more than just an advertisement—it is a landmark that bridges Columbia City’s industrial past with its vibrant artistic future. Restored in 2016 by Jennifer Lude, this project served as a catalyst for the downtown mural movement and remains one of the most photographed spots in the city.
The Restoration Story
Before 2016, the side of the Central Building (118 W. Van Buren St.) featured a fading "ghost sign." Over the last century, layers of history had been painted over one another, including a vintage Mail Pouch Tobacco advertisement that once sat atop the original Owl Cigar imagery.
Restored Old Owl Cigar Mural
(Custom Professional Artwork Services)
The Central Building (Chapman's Brewery), 118 W Van Buren St.
Columbia City, Indiana
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MJL Entwined Art was tasked with bringing this century-old icon back to life.
The Project: A meticulous hand-painted restoration of the original early-1900s advertisement.
The Details: Every feather of the owl and the iconic "5 Cents" price tag were carefully recreated using vintage color palettes to ensure historical accuracy.
The Impact: This restoration proved that public art could revitalize historic spaces, leading the way for Michael and Jennifer’s later works, including the massive Veteran’s Freedom Mural
Timeline of the Mural
Original Painting (Early 1900s): While the exact year for the Columbia City location is not recorded, the Owl Cigar Company launched its national "wall dog" advertising campaign in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Similar murals in other towns date back to 1900–1908.
Hidden Years: Like many "ghost signs," the advertisement was eventually covered. In Columbia City, it was famously superimposed by a Mail Pouch Tobacco sign at a later date.
Restoration (2016): The mural was professionally restored by artist Jennifer Lude (formerly Jennifer Crampton) in 2016 to preserve its historical appearance.
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Call Direct: Michael Lude (260)-213-3762
Email: www.artistsmjl@gmail.com">www.artistsmjl@gmail.com
Read "How two Columbia City artists are advancing northeast Indiana"
— Input Fort Wayne (May 22, 2019)
Lauren Caggiano i
Lauren Caggiano is a journalist, copywriter, and editor based in Fort Wayne. A longtime contributor, she joined input Fort Wayne in 2018 and previously served as News Editor. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and French from the University of Dayton.
"The success with the Owl mural really catapulted us into working with large-scale mediums more intensively. It’s about making a lasting impact for years to come in nontraditional ways." — Michael Lude
Input Fort Wayne
“At MJL, we believe that art should "bring light, teach, and bridge barriers". The Owl Cigar mural was the project that "catapulted" our intensive work in the mural medium. It represents our commitment to transparency and likeness—whether we are restoring a 100-year-old bird or painting the portrait of a local veteran, we ensure every detail "breathes with life".
Did You Know? The original Owl Cigar brand was a national staple in the early 1900s, known for its "Wall Dog" advertisements across the Midwest.
The Building's Hidden Past: The Central Building once housed a 3rd-floor opera house and still contains a secure below-ground bank vault from the 1870s